Bira issues guide to protecting yourself against festive cyber scams
Posted on in Business News
In the age of online shopping, the pursuit of the best deals during the festive season is increasingly common. However, as consumers flock to virtual marketplaces, cybercriminals are seizing the opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities, leading to a surge in scams.
Working with the West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre (WMCRC), CDS Defence & Security, Bira has offered guidance to independent retailers on safeguarding against festive cyber scams.
Barclays conducted a study revealing a 22% surge in scams during the festive season, with an alarming £10 million lost to cybercriminals last year. Shockingly, 91% of the British public fails to verify the registration status of unknown companies on Companies House. The 25-34 age group remains the most vulnerable, facing an average loss of £970 per victim during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period.
In detailed guidance on its website, Bira says scams to beware of include fake order scams; fake tracking numbers; phony websites; fake social media advertisements; fake charities; false discounts, and to be aware of texts and emails with hidden links that, when clicked, install malware on devices for the theft of personal information.
To stay protected, the guidance is to research products and suppliers before making purchases; verify the authenticity of sellers, especially when dealing with in-demand items; exercise caution with big discounts., and to identify potential phishing emails by checking the sender's email domain.
You are advised to report any suspicious activity to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), ActionFraud, or Citizens Advice to contribute to the collective effort against fraud and cybercrime.